Discover the Unmissable: Top Must-Read Books of the Year

Biographies
Delving into a biography allows you to discover the fascinating and often little-known journeys of individuals who have left their mark on history. Here is a selection of the best biographies to read this year.
The first recommendation is “Steve Jobs” by Walter Isaacson. This book offers an in-depth look at the life of the Apple co-founder, from his childhood to his final days. Next, “On the Move” by Oliver Sacks is a must-read. “Frida” by Hayden Herrera transcribes the tumultuous life of the Mexican artist. For politics fans, David Mendell’s “Obama: An American Life” offers a comprehensive portrait of the former President of the United States. Finally, “In her own light” by Blanche Wagne is a book about Simone Veil.
These biographies offer a unique insight into the lives of influential and inspiring personalities, allowing us to understand the impacts of their choices on the world.
Autobiographies
Michelle Obama’s autobiography, “Becoming,” chronicles her rise and role as First Lady of the United States. Nelson Mandela was born in 1918 in South Africa, his biography helps us understand his role in the end of apartheid. Malala Yousafzai shares her fight for girls’ education in Pakistan in “I, Malala”.
Contemporary novels
Among the contemporary novels not to be missed this year, a few titles stand out for their originality and narrative depth. “Consent” by Vanessa Springora, “The Anomaly” by Hervé Le Tellier, “The Aerostats” by Amélie Nothomb, “The Book of Brothers” by Stéphane Audeguy, and “Ceci n’est pas un fait divers” by Philippe Besson are to be considered. Elena Ferrante with “L’Amie prodigieuse”, Haruki Murakami with “1Q84”, and Leïla Slimani with “Chanson Douce” also offer enriching and captivating readings.

Biographies

Dive into a biography allows you to discover the fascinating and often little-known journeys of individuals who have left their mark on history. Here is a selection of the best biographies to read this year.

The first recommendation is “Steve Jobs” by Walter Isaacson. This book offers an in-depth look at the life of the Apple co-founder, from his childhood to his final days. Isaacson had unprecedented access to Jobs and his entourage, making this biography particularly rich in anecdotes and insights.

Next, “On the Move” by Oliver Sacks is a must-read. The famous neurologist shares his personal and professional journey, detailing his scientific discoveries and his experience as a doctor. His captivating writing makes science accessible and exciting.

“Frida” by Hayden Herrera is a biography that chronicles the tumultuous life of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. Herrera explores the nature of her works, the defining events of her life, and how she overcame immense challenges.

For politics fans, David Mendell’s “Obama: An American Life” offers a comprehensive portrait of former United States President Barack Obama. Mendell explores his political rise, his successes and his personal challenges.

Finally, “In her own light” by Blanche Wagne is a book about Simone Veil, an emblematic figure of Europe and an icon of human rights in France. This biography traces his struggles, his successes and his lasting impact.

These biographies offer a unique insight into the lives of influential and inspiring figures. They allow the reader to understand the different dimensions of their existence and the impacts of their choices on the world.

1. Michelle Obama: autobiography

The autobiography of Michelle Obama, titled Become, is among the flagship works of this year. This book chronicles the impressive rise of Michelle Obama, from her childhood to Chicago to his role as First lady the United States.

The story is divided into three main sections, each corresponding to a key phase of his life:

• Become me : Michelle Obama shares her childhood and academic journey, discussing the challenges she faced finding her voice.
• Become us : She describes her meeting and marriage to Barack Obama, revealing intimate aspects of their life as a couple and their common commitments.
• Become more : Michelle Obama looks back on her years at the White House, her key initiatives and the principles that guided her in her public role.

The book highlights various themes such as women’s rights, the family, and the importance of education. This is an inspiring read for anyone interested in resilience, civic engagement, and the quest for positive impact in society.

2. Nelson Mandela: Life and Legacy

Among the most remarkable biographies, that of Nelson Mandela deserves special attention. His life is an inspiration and his legacy continues to resonate across the world. Here’s why you need to read about this iconic figure.

Nelson Mandela was born in 1918 in South Africa, in a context marked by racial oppression. Young, he quickly became involved in the fight for civil rights, joining theAfrican National Congress (ANC) in 1943. Mandela distinguished himself by his ability to think strategically and mobilize the masses, which led to his being imprisoned for 27 years.

His biography allows us to understand the multiple aspects of his struggle, including:

• His role in the creation of the military wing of the ANC, Umkhonto we Sizwe.
• The ordeals he endured in prison and their impact on his ideology.
• The peaceful transition he initiated, contributing to the end ofapartheid.

Read on Mandelais to delve into the history of a country and a man who defied injustice with unwavering determination. His autobiography, A long way to freedom, reveals the secrets of his fierce fight and his humanity. Each page offers a lesson in courage and resilience.

For those seeking complementary works, other notable titles include Conversations with myself And Madiba: Stories of hope. These books allow us to grasp the depth of his thought and the extent of his influence.

3. Malala Yousafzai: fight for education

Malala Yousafzai, the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate, shares her testimony inspiring in her autobiography “I, Malala”. She talks about the challenges she has confronted seeking education for all girls in Pakistan.

Malala’s story offers a unique perspective on the situation of women’s rights and education in a region affected by terrorism. Its story is not only that of a courageous struggle but also an invitation to reflection on the global issues of access to education.

The book explores:

• The political and social context of Pakistan
• Obstacles faced by women in accessing education
• Malala’s personal journey and global commitment

When reading “I, Malala,” readers discover a remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. This biography pushes us to question norms and actively commit to a social change.

Contemporary novels

From contemporary novels Not to be missed this year, a few titles stand out for their originality and narrative depth. Here is a selection to consider.

“Consent” by Vanessa Springora explores the theme of psychological manipulation with rare acuity. Based on a true story, this book immerses the reader in a powerful and moving story.

With “The anomaly” by Hervé Le Tellier, the winner of the 2020 Goncourt Prize, we discover a fascinating universe where reality and fiction mix in a unique way. The author plays with the boundaries of possibility, offering a deep reflection on identity and perception.

“Aerostats” by Amélie Nothomb tells the story of a young student and his student, captivating thanks to an incisive and poetic pen. This novel addresses themes of love, knowledge and the power of words.

If you are looking for an enriching read, “The Book of Brothers” by Stéphane Audeguy stands out with its rich narration and endearing characters. This work looks at family relationships and the secrets that surround them.

Finally, “This is not a news item” by Philippe Besson offers a reflection on truth and its multiple facets. With a mastered style, the author leads his reader into a captivating investigation into the twists and turns of memory and reality.

1. Elena Ferrante: The Prodigious Friend

Elena Ferrante has captivated the literary world with her series of novels titled The Prodigious Friend. This book is the first part of the saga and focuses on the complex friendship between two girls, Elena and Lila, in 1950s Italy.

This novel immerses the reader in the daily life of a poor neighborhood in Naples. By exploring the evolving relationships between the main characters, the author deals with themes such as ambition, love, jealousy and the quest for identity. The richness of the plot and the psychological depth of the characters offer an intense and immersive literary experience.

The strong points of The Prodigious Friend include:

• A well-structured story that keeps the reader interested from start to finish.
• Realistic and deeply developed characters.
• A careful exploration of the social and economic issues of the time.

Read The Prodigious Friend allows not only to appreciate a well-crafted story, but also to delve into a fascinating historical and social context, rendered with great finesse by Ferrante.

2. Haruki Murakami: 1Q84

Contemporary novels offer varied perspectives on today’s society while exploring universal themes. Among the most influential authors in this field, Haruki Murakami stands out for his unique style and captivating stories.

1Q84 by Haruki Murakami is a monumental work in three volumes. The plot immerses the reader in a parallel universe where the ordinary mixes with the fantastic. The work follows two main characters, Aomame and Tengo, whose destinies intersect in this disconcerting world.

The story covers various themes such as:

• THE control and the handling mental
• There reality and theillusion
• L’love and the solitude
• There search for identity

One of Murakami’s strengths is his ability to create deep and endearing characters. The fluid writing and the integration of multiple cultural and literary references make this reading both stimulating and enriching.

This novel is recommended for those who enjoy immersive and introspective stories. 1Q84 requires constant attention but rewards the reader with an unforgettable reading experience.

3. Leïla Slimani: Sweet song

Contemporary literature offers a wide variety of works offering fresh perspectives and gripping stories. “Sweet Song” by Leila Slimani, winner of the Prix Goncourt, is one of them.

This novel explores a toxic relationship between a Parisian family and their nanny. He reveals the gray areas of this family dynamic with disturbing subtlety. The plot immediately gains intensity thanks to precise writing and a sustained pace which captivate the reader.

The themes covered in “Chanson Douce” are multiple:

• Loneliness in modern life
• Social inequalities
• Tensions within the home

Leïla Slimani uses complex characters to create a mirror of contemporary society. These characters are both convincing and deeply human, which allows us to immerse ourselves in their tormented daily lives. The story also questions our perception of innocence and malevolence.

The psychological construction of this domestic thriller allows for total immersion in the unsaid and the pretenses. The text hides nothing from the darker aspects of human nature while leaving significant room for personal reflection.

A: Criteria include quality of writing, originality of topic, recommendations from other readers, and relevance to current trends in literature.

A: You can find these books in physical bookstores, online bookstores, public libraries and digital reading platforms.

A: The selection of the best books to read this year includes a diversity of genres and styles to suit different reading tastes.

A: There is a list of 10 must-read books that you absolutely must read this year.